Rail passengers across south west London were hit by price hikes this morning, with ticket costs going up by 2.1 per cent across Southern services.

The country-wide rise in rail fares has been blasted by trade unions, arguing travel costs are continuing to outstrip wage growth.

Regulated ticket prices in England have climbed by up to 2.5 per cent, with the Government claiming the money is key to modernising services.

Southern, who operate lines in Sutton, Croydon, Wimbledon and Wandsworth, has increased its prices by 2.1 per cent.

Sutton to London Victoria commuters will now pay £41.50 for a weekly ticket, and £159.40 for a monthly travel card.

The new price for a 12 month season ticket is £1660- representing a £34.14 increase on last year.

Passengers making the journey from East Croydon to London Victoria will now pay £1,550 for a yearly season ticket, representing an increase of £36.59.

Wimbledon commuters paying for a 12 months season ticket to London Victoria have been struck with a £19.25 additional charge, and will now pay £936 for a yearly ticket.

Southern also run services through Balham, Wandsworth Common, and Clapham Junction.

Passengers making the daily commute from Balham or Wandsworth Common to London Victoria will now pay £956 a year.

The rises have been slammed by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), with general secretary Mick Cash branding the hikes a ‘rip-off.’

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), feels the increase will take a bite out of basic living costs.

She said: "This year’s fare hike will hit passengers particularly hard because wages are rising so slowly.

"Rail fares are now consuming a huge proportion of people’s wages, leaving precious little for other bread and butter expenses. On average passengers are now paying £600 more for a season ticket and yet seeing no change in their pay packets.

"The cost to passengers of the failed privatisation of our railways cannot be ignored. We’ve ended up with slower trains and higher fares than countries who have kept their trains in public hands."

Southern has announced its cheapest £5 advanced fares have been frozen, and many off-peak Gatwick Express fares will also stay the same.

Commercial director Alex Foulds said: "This is great news for those looking for cheap off-peak travel, as we continue to freeze our cheapest Southern online Advance fare at just £5 for the eighth consecutive year.”

Fares in Northern Ireland are set separately and have been frozen since 2011. Ticket prices in Scotland will rise by 1.5 per cent on average, while fares in Wales will go up by whichever is greater out of 2.5 per cent and 10p.